Woodford gets worldwide focus

PEOPLE from all over the globe come to Woodford every year for the folk festival that attracts hippies, families, corporates, more than 2000 performers and market stallholders.

With 120 craft and merchandise stalls set up this year, crowds have had their choice of everything parasols to hand-woven floral hair pieces, feather jewellery and burlesque-inspired outfits.

Not to mention a feast of foods including Indian, Mexican, Tibetan and Turkish from 48 food stalls.

Stall holder Orion Vasconcelo, 33, came to Australia from Brazil four years ago to learn English.

He now travels the country, speaks three languages and sells fair trade imported Brazilian products made from dried and polished acai berries to festival goers.

This is his first time at Woodford.

"It's beautiful - the people, the atmosphere - I love it here," he said.

Kelsey Faery, from Kelsey's Creations, has come all the way from Can

ada to set up her tent in the wonderful world of Woodfordia. She sells what she describes as "wearable art".

"Think ruffled tutus, handmade tiny tophats in the shapes of flowers and lots of colourful costumes," she said. "I love the cultural stuff. There are so many interesting characters floating around here (at Woodford) and the grounds are gorgeous."

Although Woodford is well known for its wet and wild weather, this year's festival has seen nothing but sunshine.

Festival director Bill Hauritz said there were a few scattered showers but just enough to settle the dust.

"It has been perfect this year which has brought in big crowds," he said.

Today is the final day of the festival with highlights including the closing ceremony.